Lake Lugano - "Lake Lugano (Italian: Lago di Lugano or Ceresio, from Ceresius lacus) is a glacial lake which is situated on the border between south-east Switzerland and Italy. The lake, named after the city of Lugano, is situated between Lake Como and Lago Maggiore. It was cited for the first time by Gregory of Tours with the name Ceresio in 590 AD,[1] a name which is said to have derived from the Latin word cerasus, meaning cherry, and refers to the abundance of cherry trees which at one time adorned the shores of the lake.[2] The lake appears in documents in 804 under the name Laco Luanasco."
Summer camping holiday in Italy 2001
Our first camping holiday in Europe in the school summer holidays 2001.
We crossed over the Channel to Calais and from there made our way to Italy through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and then into the Alps to reach the border with Italy.
The whole trip was so very exciting for us, even the simple act of stopping on the road side to buy something to eat.
Handling foreign currencies (French and Swiss Francs, Deutsche Mark, Italian Lira - this was before the Euro was introduced), driving on the opposite side of the road, listening to different languages, trying to make head or tail of road signs, oohing and ahing at the amazing landscapes and architecture - always something new to be stored away and taken out for later perusal and enjoyment.
Oh my, the Lake was beautiful but good grief, did it storm and rain bucketloads. The first night it rained so hard we were worried that our new tent would not stand up to the onslaught. But it did! The following morning the campsite was a muddy quagmire and many of the caravans had to be moved with a tractor.
This is the first time that we were introduced to mixed bathrooms and toilets of Europe - something I'd never even considered was possible. Men and women share the same facilities - they might have separate entrances but they meet in the middle.
Hehe...I discovered late one night, when I popped into the facilities to go to the toilet, that couples would shower together...very loudly and very obviously not simply showering!
Was that an eye opener - I'm used to it now - but then it was WOW, like stepping into another Galaxy.
The roads around the lake were very narrow, definitely not fit for a caravan as we discovered through many rather hilarious moments as we travelled behind my parents.
One occasion we remember distinctly - as the caravan entered one of the many tunnels running through the mountain, a small Fiat popped out coming the other way. The guy who was driving the car had eyes as large as saucers - we reckon he had to drive up the side the of the tunnel when confronted by a massive caravan! Had us giggling forever.
The villas lining the mountainside were spectacular and had some awesome views.
Excuse the quality of the pics.
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| Traevis and I |
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| Lake Lugano |
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| Campsite |
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| Lunch on the road side |
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| My parents caravan from our car |
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| Our tent |
